Patricia*, originally from the north-east and now in her early seventies, has been using Communities 1st services for some nine years. I was looking forward to chatting with her and learning about her experience. I was richly rewarded. Patricia* is a warm, friendly woman, with a strong sense of Geordie humour. I soon realised that she is also strong-minded and will speak her mind!
“It’s fantastic what Communities 1st is doing,” Mike told me when I eventually tracked him down and he told me about his experience as a volunteer. “You provide a wide range of valuable services to support the community,” he continued. “There are many people who are vulnerable and in need of help. I am pleased to do my bit to help.”
Liz has a great sense of humour! I’m often struck while talking to volunteers that they have a huge sense of fun; we laugh a lot! Liz is no exception. One of the reasons she volunteers is because she enjoys helping bring a smile to people’s faces. This isn’t to say that she doesn’t take her volunteering seriously, far from it, but rather she recognises the great benefits of having a laugh. Indeed, there is a growing body of scientific research which points to the many health benefits, physical and emotional, of laughter.
“I’m pleased to be able to give something back. When my mum and dad were alive, several people helped them and now it’s my time to help others. I know that just a small amount of support can keep older people going.” Andy, in his late fifties and living in Hoddesdon, is motivated by a desire to help others but he also recognises that “often when you help someone, you’re appreciated, you feel good. And that’s nice.”
“I was in a state of complete shock when I was diagnosed as having breast cancer. I just could not believe it. Cancer had never been on my radar. Young people of my age just don’t get cancer. This can’t be right.” Georgie was explaining to me her reaction to being diagnosed with cancer in May 2021, at the age of just 29. She went on to describe the unimaginable course of treatment that she received, including surgery, radiotherapy, and twelve weeks of chemotherapy.